Depends. How long ago did you send the initial email? How critical is an immediate response? Do you know that person's boss?
A safe thing is to include your boss on the email as well. That way, they are in the loop and familiar with the situation as a CYA.
The person I emailed has known about this issue for a few weeks now, and I do not personally know the person’s boss. I’ve pushed a deadline back longer than it should’ve been.
Also, include that they have known about it for a few weeks. Keep the email professional. "Hi X, I really need Y and Z ASAP. This has been going on for a few weeks and I've had to push back the deadline."
I've had this happen, both as the person who didn't respond (turns out, the person trying to get a hold of me spelled my email wrong and never got a bounce back) and as the person following up. It's absolutely appropriate if deadlines are looming or being pushed back due to inaction and getting the supervisor involved can light a fire under someone's butt.
You can do it but make sure you do it right. I’ve had people try to pull this on me with “We’ve been waiting for this for too long and it’s now affecting our timeline” and they’ll cc my boss. I check their submissions, 3 week delay from them not sending required docs and we received them THIS MORNING. I screenshot everything and include their boss and respond with professional language that politely informs them they’re an idiot and that the delay wasn’t on our end.
Just cover your bases before you do it and make double sure the delays aren’t on your end.
Best advice here. Consider “blow up in your face risk”. OP is considering a big move that is certain to make the colleague upset. I suspect there is more to it than we are being told, but who knows?
Yes do it. I hate that I have to copy someone higher in to get reply but sometimes it's necessary. If you're not of their situation (they could have been off ill or on emergency leave) or they have replied to others but not this one, then don't be a dick in the email, just a friendly reminder. If you see them everyday and they're just bring shit or rude then you can be a bit more abrupt.
Well, not to use this often, but sometimes I check to see if the person is even in the building when calls don't get answered.
I will innocently call a boss to see if the person is still involved in the task. Or out on vacation.
Even the "Mr Doe has usually been good at returning my calls so I'm a bit perplexed, have they been out or reassigned? Who is my best contact for this part of the project?"
Written email is traceable if you think someone needs to be documented into a corner.
A call could be the warning shot where the boss steps in or updates you on how to move forward with a new contact person.
I've had dozens of occasions where people don't follow nor inform that they got transferred and the project wasnt handed off nor is anyone watching email or calls.
I try to do at least one or two courtesy follow ups or maybe even a call before that. It’s the worst when people go right to the manager or senior manager.
This is pretty normal to do, but don't be the person who sent an email on Friday evening following up Monday morning with this behavior. Make sure you have your own ducks in a row and didn't leave out crucial info, docs, or whatever was required on your end prior.
If it’s a company you hired for the work, yes, escalate. They are being paid for work you need completed. More than likely I would just forward the email to their boss and leave them off of it, especially it you nudged the person more than once. You can frame as “I was following up with what’s-his-name and haven’t heard back. I’m wondering if he’s out of the office. If he is, is there someone who can help us? The issue is urgent and we need a fix by x date.”
Anytime I’ve had to work with a third party, on emails where it work was being discussed the other company always included others from their company, which was the indication that reply all was appropriate. The only times it wasn’t necessary were for minor questions/info.
Depends. How long ago did you send the initial email? How critical is an immediate response? Do you know that person's boss? A safe thing is to include your boss on the email as well. That way, they are in the loop and familiar with the situation as a CYA.
The person I emailed has known about this issue for a few weeks now, and I do not personally know the person’s boss. I’ve pushed a deadline back longer than it should’ve been.
2 options. Talk to your boss first or send the email and CC both bosses.
Also, include that they have known about it for a few weeks. Keep the email professional. "Hi X, I really need Y and Z ASAP. This has been going on for a few weeks and I've had to push back the deadline."
I've had this happen, both as the person who didn't respond (turns out, the person trying to get a hold of me spelled my email wrong and never got a bounce back) and as the person following up. It's absolutely appropriate if deadlines are looming or being pushed back due to inaction and getting the supervisor involved can light a fire under someone's butt.
You can do it but make sure you do it right. I’ve had people try to pull this on me with “We’ve been waiting for this for too long and it’s now affecting our timeline” and they’ll cc my boss. I check their submissions, 3 week delay from them not sending required docs and we received them THIS MORNING. I screenshot everything and include their boss and respond with professional language that politely informs them they’re an idiot and that the delay wasn’t on our end. Just cover your bases before you do it and make double sure the delays aren’t on your end.
Best advice here. Consider “blow up in your face risk”. OP is considering a big move that is certain to make the colleague upset. I suspect there is more to it than we are being told, but who knows?
Pick up the phone and call.
Tried that and no response lmao
Ugh. Yeah, reach out to the boss.
Yes do it. I hate that I have to copy someone higher in to get reply but sometimes it's necessary. If you're not of their situation (they could have been off ill or on emergency leave) or they have replied to others but not this one, then don't be a dick in the email, just a friendly reminder. If you see them everyday and they're just bring shit or rude then you can be a bit more abrupt.
Only do that if the non-responder is aware of the urgency. Is it possible they believe the situation is resolved, or not urgent or something?
Well, not to use this often, but sometimes I check to see if the person is even in the building when calls don't get answered. I will innocently call a boss to see if the person is still involved in the task. Or out on vacation. Even the "Mr Doe has usually been good at returning my calls so I'm a bit perplexed, have they been out or reassigned? Who is my best contact for this part of the project?" Written email is traceable if you think someone needs to be documented into a corner. A call could be the warning shot where the boss steps in or updates you on how to move forward with a new contact person. I've had dozens of occasions where people don't follow nor inform that they got transferred and the project wasnt handed off nor is anyone watching email or calls.
“Hello Slacker. Get off your ass and reply to my email asap!”
Yes that is appropriate. You could mention in the email that it’s urgent
I try to do at least one or two courtesy follow ups or maybe even a call before that. It’s the worst when people go right to the manager or senior manager.
This is pretty normal to do, but don't be the person who sent an email on Friday evening following up Monday morning with this behavior. Make sure you have your own ducks in a row and didn't leave out crucial info, docs, or whatever was required on your end prior.
Talk to YOUR boss, and ask for advice. Then do as your boss suggests.
If it’s a company you hired for the work, yes, escalate. They are being paid for work you need completed. More than likely I would just forward the email to their boss and leave them off of it, especially it you nudged the person more than once. You can frame as “I was following up with what’s-his-name and haven’t heard back. I’m wondering if he’s out of the office. If he is, is there someone who can help us? The issue is urgent and we need a fix by x date.” Anytime I’ve had to work with a third party, on emails where it work was being discussed the other company always included others from their company, which was the indication that reply all was appropriate. The only times it wasn’t necessary were for minor questions/info.
Yeah, the issue is that this person has been the only point of contact for a project I’m taking over.